Yarra Ranges National Park
Healesville area
Enjoy fresh mountain air surrounded by mature forest. Forest walks pass through ancient fern gullies,
across clear mountain streams and meander among mighty Mountain Ash trees.
Construction of the Maroondah Reservoir wall began
in 1920 and was completed in 1927. Donnellys Creek
was diverted in 1893 to augment the water supply to
the Maroondah Aqueduct. Today, the weir acts as a
reserve supply during dry periods.
Short walks around Maroondah Reservoir
Lookout Track (crosses the dam wall)
1km, approximately 30 minutes, Moderate
Laughing Kookaburra
The area around Healesville has something for
everyone. Enjoy a peaceful walk through Mountain
Ash and fern gullies, take in sweeping mountain views,
have a family picnic or large gathering in a park or go
for a mountain bike or horse ride along The
Bicentennial National Trail.
Gates at Maroondah Reservoir, Badger Weir and
Donnellys Weir open at 8am. Closing times vary so
check signs at park entry.
Badger Weir
Old-style shingle roof rotundas, landscaped grounds
and barbecues, all bounded by spectacular forest,
make a picnic with family and friends a memorable
experience.
Short walks around Badger Weir
Badger Weir via Slip Creek Track
1.4 km, approx 30 minutes, Moderate
The many steps on the fern gully boardwalk make this
walk unsuitable for prams and strollers.
Badger Weir via Coranderrk Track
1.1km, approx 30 minutes, Easy (follows vehicle
track to weir)
Badger Weir via Lyrebird Track
1.1km, approx 30 minutes, Easy (a few steps)
Maroondah Reservoir
See the 41 metre high dam wall, historic valve houses,
the ‘Rose Stairway,’ exotic trees, native eucalypts,
scenic lookout and the reservoir spillway (overflowing
during spring, depending on seasonal conditions).
Rotundas in the park may be booked for special events
by calling Parks Victoria on 13 1963.
Start at the information shelter north of the main
carpark area and see the many attractions below the
dam wall before climbing the Rose Stairway for
spectacular views of the reservoir. A bitumen walking
track at the eastern end of the carpark also leads to
the top of the dam wall.
Maroondah Forest Track
800m, approx 15 minutes, Moderate
This track connects the Lookout and Henderson’s
Picnic Area via a pleasant forest walk.
Scenic Views Track
1.3km, approx 30 minutes, Easy
Start at the top carpark and wind through grassed
areas with large exotic trees and mountain views
before heading to the top of the dam wall.
Henderson’s Hill Track
1.4km, approx 40 minutes, Moderate
Leaving Henderson’s Picnic Area at the footbridge over
the Watts River the track climbs to the top of
Henderson’s Hill and back down to the access road. At
this point, return to Henderson’s Picnic Area or
continue on to Donnelly’s Weir.
Maroondah Reservoir to Donnellys Weir
2.8km, approx 1 hour - one way, Easy
Starting from Henderson’s Hill Track stroll through
forests of tree-ferns and eucalypts with a stop at Echo
Tunnel where the pipe connecting Maroondah
Reservoir to the aqueduct emerges from under the
hill.
For a slightly longer walk you can take the alternative
route via the Maroondah Forest Track, or for a
steeper, more strenuous walk there is an alternative
route over Henderson’s Hill.
Maroondah Reservoir Park
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Be fire ready and stay safe
On days of forecast Code Red Fire Danger this park
will be closed for public safety.
If you are already in the park you should leave the
night before or early in the morning for your own
safety.
Closure signs will be erected and rangers will patrol
where possible, however you may not receive a
personal warning that the park is closed so check by
calling 13 1963 or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au.
For up to date information on fires in Victoria or
general fire safety advice call the Victorian Bushfire
Information Line on 1800 240 667 or visit
www.cfa.vic.gov.au.
For further information
Donnellys Weir
Call Parks Victoria on 13 1963
or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au
Donnellys Weir forms both the start and finish of The
Bicentennial National Trail. A variety of walks from the
Picnic Area cater for both casual and longer distance
walkers. All times are estimates only.
Yarra Valley
Visitor Information Centre
The Old Courthouse
Harker Street
Healesville 3777
Tel: (03) 5962 2600
Caring for the environment
Help us look after your park
by following these guidelines:
Yarra Ranges National Park
encompasses major closed
catchments for Melbourne’s pure
water supply. It is vital that
everyone helps to ensure the
prevention of pollution and fire.
Take notice of signs stating No
Public Access
Please take rubbish with you for
recycling and disposal
All native plants and animals
are protected by law. Please do
not disturb them in any way
Condons Track
8 km, approx 3.5 hours - one way, Difficult
This walk is for experienced bushwalkers only and is
very steep. Beginning on Road 17 just past Echo
Tunnel, the track climbs the slopes of Mt Monda
through ancient fern gullies and tall, wet Mountain
Ash forest. From Road 9 Mt Monda return to
Donnellys Weir via Condons Track, or follow the sign
posts on Road 9 to Mt St Leonard. The entire circuit
from Donnellys Weir to Mt Monda, Mt St Leonard and
back to the weir is 21km and takes seven to eight
hours.
Mt St Leonard Track
8km, approx 3 hours - one way, Moderate
Incorporating part of The Bicentennial National Trail,
this track passes through mixed eucalypt forest and
offers magnificent views across the Yarra Valley from
the summit of Mt St Leonard.
Dogs are allowed in Maroondah
Reservoir Park, but must be kept
on a lead at all times
a 3 metre area is
cleared of anything
flammable
at least 10 litres of
water is available for
immediate use
an adult is in
attendance at all times
Yarra Ranges National Park is in
the Central, North Central and
North East Total Fire Ban District
Feeding of birds and other wildlife
is not permitted
Firearms and other weapons are
prohibited
For thousands of years, Aboriginal people of the
Wurundjeri Clan inhabited this area, forming part of
the larger Kulin Nation. The area provided
opportunities for hunting and gathering, and the
network of indigenous walking tracks eventually gave
early Europeans direction through the thick scrub and
forest.
Water for Melbourne
The water catchment area surrounding the weir has
been managed for water harvesting for more than
100 years.
Since 1968, research has been undertaken in the area
to examine the relationship between Mountain Ash
forests and the water cycle. The research shows that
mature age forests use less water than young, fast
growing forests. As more water is available from a
mature forest, every effort is made to protect the
forest from fire. This is one of the reasons why most of
the catchment is closed to the public.
A haven for plants and animals
Surrounded by protected water catchment, the
mature forest of Mountain Ash and Manna Gum is a
magnificent sight. Hollows in these old trees provide
homes and nesting sites for many native mammals
and birds such as possums, gliders, owls, bats,
cockatoos and parrots.
Dogs and other pets are not
permitted in Yarra Ranges
National Park, Donnellys Weir or
Badger Weir
No fires are permitted on a day of
Total Fire Ban. Built-in gas or
electric barbecues may be used.
You can also use your own gas or
electric barbecue provided:
History
Picnic grounds established at the weirs were planted
with many exotic trees including cedars, firs, pines
and cypresses.
Fernshaw
Fernshaw Picnic Area is located at the foot of the Black
Spur amid Mountain Ash and Fir trees. There are
walking tracks, a parking area, picnic and barbecue
facilities and toilets. The picnic area is located 11 km
north-east of Healesville on the eastern side of the
Maroondah Highway and is open daily.
The picnic area at Fernshaw was once the main street
of the township of Fernshaw. In the 1860s the town
was a vital rest and stabling point for those journeying
to the Woods Point goldfields and beyond and
boasted several hotels, a school, houses and shops.
The well-known 5.5km "Morley's Track" starts at the
picnic area takes you to the Dom Dom Saddle, and
then on to Mt Donna Buang.
Dom Dom Saddle
Dom Dom Saddle, atop the Black Spur is 500m above
sea-level. The picnic ground is set among large oaks
and elms.
Native plant species found in the parks include
eucalypts such as Messmates, Manna Gums, Silver
Wattles, Rough Tree-ferns and Prickly Currant bush.
The gullies are filled with tree ferns that grow
extremely slowly - about two centimetres each year.
Some of these are over 200 years old!
Birds are abundant throughout the park and include
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos, Laughing Kookaburra,
Pied Currawong, Eastern Yellow Robins, Bassian
Thrush and White-throated Treecreepers.
Emergency markers
The Emergency Services Telecommunications
Authority (ESTA) has created Emergency Marker
Points to help to pinpoint exact locations in the case of
an emergency. In an emergency, phone 000 and quote
the closest ESTA Emergency Marker code. For further
information visit www.esta.vic.gov.au.
June 2013
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